A planned visitor centre dedicated to marine birds has revealed details about what guests can expect, including interactive exhibits, marine theatre, marine laboratory and observatory.

The new Scottish Seabird Centre, which is being built in North Berwick, near Edinburgh, will teach visitors about the country’s marine birdlife and how to protect it.

The £5.5m (US$7.2m, €6m) centre, which hopes to attract both locals and tourists to the area, is being designed by architects Simpson and Brown, who designed the existing attraction, and exhibition designers Event Communications. Event has also consulted marine scientists, researchers and academics across Scotland.

The Scottish Seabird Centre announced the proposed exhibits will include the installation “Planet Ocean”, describing to visitors how all life originated from the ocean; in “Marine Threshold” they will be immersed beneath the ocean in an environment created by film projections; and “Marine Exploratory” will show everything from seabird colonies to underwater reefs to orcas and dolphins.

“We’ve collaborated with some of the most respected people in the marine world to ensure we are creating an informative, inspiring and enjoyable visitor attraction,” said Grace Martin, project director for the centre. “Our planned exhibits will connect people with the fascinating world of our oceans as well as showcase the importance of looking after them.

“The aim of the centre is to engage with all ages, catering for different levels of understanding. We will signpost to other attractions, sources of information and opportunities for citizen science. More in-depth levels of engagement will be available for enthusiasts and repeat visitors, willing to dive deeper, with a changing programme of activities and exhibits.”

There will also be a kids’ zone, a 3D theatre and a laboratory where guests can learn about real-life marine research and meet scientists at specially arranged events. And finally, the top-storey observatory will offer panoramic views across the Firth of Forth.

The attraction, which is expected to open in 2020, has also stressed it is paying close attention to ensuring it’s fully accessible.